News Brief
Over 100-Year-Old Temple Freed In UP's Bareilly After 40 Years Of Illegal Encroachment
Pic Via X
In a significant development, the Ganga Maharani Temple, located in the Katghar area of Bareilly's Quila Police Station jurisdiction, has been freed from encroachment after nearly four decades.
Rakesh Singh, who claims ownership of the temple premises, stated that the shrine was constructed by his forefathers around 150 years ago.
The temple housed idols of various deities, and it served as a place of worship for the local Hindu community.
Around 50 years ago, a room within the temple complex was rented to a cooperative society.
However, the society's caretaker, Wajid Ali, gradually took control of the entire premises.
The idols were removed, and Islamic flags were reportedly installed within the temple complex.
Upon the matter coming to the attention of the local administration and police, an investigation into the documents was conducted.
Statements from both sides were recorded on Thursday, and on Friday, authorities initiated action.
The secretary of the cooperative society clarified that Wajid Ali had no official connection with the society.
The Muslim family occupying the premises willingly vacated the temple complex.
Police Superintendent stated that adequate security forces were deployed to maintain peace during the process.
Hindu groups at the site raised slogans of "Jai Shri Ram" and hoisted saffron flags.
Rakesh Singh announced that the temple would soon be purified with 'Gaumutra" and Ganga water before resuming worship rituals.
Earlier, four temples, all in Muslim-majority areas, were discovered in Uttar Pradesh and regular pujas have restarted in them after decades of pause.
The latest revelation was in Aligarh, where Hindu groups found an abandoned temple. The police announced on Thursday (19 December) that they will monitor the temple and initiate an investigation into the purportedly missing idols.
On 14 December, a Shiv-Hanuman temple was discovered in Sambhal's Khaggu Sarai area, followed by the unlocking of a second temple on 17 December in the Hayat Nagar area.
On the same day, a Hindu organisation named Sanatan Rakshak Dal discovered a temple in the Madanpura area which was closed for 40 years. It is claimed to be 250 years old.
